Michael Ferguson is trying to hide the fact that the emergency department at the Mersey Community Hospital will have to be dramatically downgraded if the hospital is to operate as a state-wide elective surgery centre.
Shadow Health Minister Rebecca White said Mr Ferguson has argued that as much as two thirds of all elective surgery could be performed at the Mersey because it won’t be interrupted by emergency presentations.
“He has also promised the Mersey will retain a 24-hour emergency department,” Ms White said.
“What he isn’t saying is that services at the emergency department will have to be dramatically downgraded because it will no longer be able to take patients that require admission.
“That means it will be a 24 hour emergency department in name only. Any cases requiring admission, including cardiac emergencies and car accidents will have to be treated at the Launceston General Hospital or the North West Regional Hospital.
“Labor supports the retention of the 24 hour emergency department at the Mersey but we think the community should be provided with more details about what sort of service it will provide.
“If the Mersey Community Hospital is advertising that it is a 24 hour emergency service then it needs to provide the full medical and surgical capabilities to support emergency department functions. If this is not the case then people’s lives could be put at risk.
“If the Minister remains committed to the Mersey operating as an elective surgery centre he must stop paying lip service to the community and be honest with them about what sort of emergency department they will have.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Health Minister
